Conflict Reloaded

Chapter 10: New Beginnings

(Jahlil)

"Are you sure it's not too much on you to take me in? I can just tough it out if I have to."

Kim continued putting my shoe boxes into a bigger box.

"Honey I just counted thirty-one shoe boxes. You have two feet! Why do you need so many shoes?"

I shrugged then continued to fold clothes.

"You didn't answer my question."

"Jahlil you are your mother's child. She never wanted to ask for anything, and when she did she kept asking me was it okay if she had it. We've already made Brad take two loads to our home. I would love for you to live with us. Plus you can meet Josh and Abby, his kids."

We finished packing the rest of my stuff.

"What are you doing?" My grandma came into the driveway when we were about to leave. I put her house key in her hand.

"Right now we are at odds. I don't know what I did to you, but just know that I never meant to hurt you. I'm sorry that things didn't work out between us. I still love you." I kissed her cheek. "Take care of yourself."

I walked over to my car and got in. I crunk up and pulled out into the road behind Brad's truck, to let him know that I'm ready to leave.

This is a new chapter in my life. I guess it'll be a chapter without Malia. Her mom caught Dave in her house abusing Malia. Of course Dave's ass got locked up, and Malia got sent to go stay with her grandfather in Macon.

I'd be a liar if I said that I didn't miss her, but maybe this is better for the both of us.

I blasted my radio, headed to my new home.

"Cause I love me,

I love me enough for the both of us

That's why you trust me,

I know you been through more than most of us

So what are you? what are you, what are you so afraid of?

Darling you, you give but you cannot take love

I needed to hear that shit,

I hate when you're submissive

Passive aggressive when we're texting, I feel the distance

I look around the peers that surround me, these niggas tripping

I like when money makes a difference but don't make you different

Started realizing a couple places I can take it

I want to get back to when I was that kid in the basement..."

(From Time- Drake & Jhene Aiko)

(Malia)

"Cheer up Lia. This is a nice room!" Olivia, my friend, said. Her and I were the best of friends before I had to move. We stayed in touch with each other. She is the only up-side of me coming back here.

I looked her up and down then rolled my eyes. She has a tan, brown hair, and a curvy body. Yes, she is plus-sized. Just as gorgeous as them stick figures 'round here.

I looked around my room. Light pink walls, white carpet. Plasma television, joined bathroom, etc.

"It looks like my old room. I wish I lived in Stockbridge."

"Is that where you were?"

"No, but that's where my best friend moved to. My best friend who I love."

"Jahlil. Girl I can tell you loved him. He was the center of most of our phone conversations. Can I be honest with you?"

I looked up at her. She was laying at the foot of my bed while I was sitting on the floor.

"You made a dumb mistake. You broke up with Kyle and got with another guy all in the same month. Jahlil. He fought for you. He has been there for you. He took my number one spot of being the bestie! You should have told him how you feel. It isn't too late. You are in love. Malia you are in love with Jahlil."

(Janelle)

I happily opened the envelope. I can't wait to tell Jahlil the good news! In a few months I might be a free woman!

"Girl what you all smily for?" My cellmate, Trinity, asked. "Is it another letter from your son?"

"Yes! I am so happy that he writes me."

Trinity and I have been cellmates for a long ass time. Her situation was something I thought about doing. Stabbing my ex-husband to death.

"He writes like a girl.", she laughed.

"Your daughter writes like a boy!" I laughed with her.

I sat on my bunk then began to read his letter.

(Letter:

Dear Mom,

Hey. I could be better. I won't lie. I want to come see you, but I couldn't come see you knowing that I lied to you. I lied about Reggie. He would give me baths and he would touch me, to wash me of course. One time he tried to give me oral sex. I was young and didn't know what it was at the time, but I know that it wasn't right. It didn't feel right. Please don't be mad at me for keeping that secret from you. I kept it from everybody. I was scared because he threatened to kill me if I told anyone. I was also embarrassed. Like I am as I write this to you. I love you ma. Until next time, stay sweet.

-Jahlil

"Girl are you okay?!"

A sharp deep pain thumped in my chest. I started to gasp for air.

"GUARDS!!"